PJ Shows at TACtile in Denver, CO

My work "Melia Caribe" is on display at TACtile - the Textile Arts Center of the Rocky Mountain Region now through March 20th.

The show is titled: '' Holes & Knots: A Modern Interpretation of Lace". See innovative examples and modern uses of this fiber reality in clothing, accessories, home décor, and unique expressions of artistic style.

TACtile is a non-profit arts center, focused on sewing, textiles, fiber and fashion arts. It is modeled after the Textile Center, a national center for fiber arts in Minneapolis, MN.
(I have also exhibited there!)

The show in Denver features traditional and contemporary fiber and is sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Lace Guild. While my work is hardly lace in the traditional sense, the open lattice I build into the felt does have a compatible feel to lace.

There's lot's to see - check it out in the southeast Denver location of Tamarac Square at 7777 East Hampden Avenue Suite #114. The Center is located inside the mall atrium, lower level, at the opposite end of the theaters by Rodney's. Call 720.524.8886 for show days and hours or please call me in my studio at 719-539-6382 for directions or any information. - PJ

Inside the Process - Part II

Last time, I shared some of the mechanics of making felt and what a challenge it is to get the fibers to come together so they create the finished size and "hand" that I want. Long before I get to that point though, there's a whole process needed to get the white wool roving dyed in the many colors I use. Dyeing is part chemistry, part art and sometimes, pure alchemy!

And, color choices don't stop once the raw wool is dyed and carded. Color blending and layout are the next parts of the process of making a Network Tapestry™. Most of the time my inspiration comes from the raw colors in my mind’s eye. After dyeing many hues, I pick several that, at first, look like they have nothing in common and perhaps can even be a bit jarring together. The challenge for me is to arrange them in a particular way throughout the tapestry where the colors end up complementing each other.

What is most satisfying to me is to watch the reaction of people when they first see my finished work. Even though we each may see elements of the piece in different ways, what’s key is that the tapestry allows us to share in a very personal conversation. Knowing that my work generates a reaction inspires me to keep on searching for new textures and colors and ways to communicate. - PJ

Inside the Process - Part 1

One of my goals when creating Network Tapestry™ is to give the viewer a sense of calm and relaxation. This is achieved by using organic raw materials, and working with the undulating waves of the tapestry. The result is a total transformation from the soft sheep’s wool of my palette, into a durable, yet tactile finished piece.

Character, texture and appearance keep developing as I work with the fibers. It is not until the felting is finished do I know exactly what the finished tapestry will look like, once it’s dried. Shown here, "Enchanted Forest IV" © 2009 PJ Bergin, Felt In Hand

When I start felting, the fibers are very fragile. I must use extreme caution so the layout that I spent many days composing does not get disturbed. As I continue working, the fibers become stronger and stronger and the different shapes and textures become evident. This transformation keeps me intrigued and challenged. My knowledge and experience with fiber helps me to stay on track for the finished piece. To be continued...

Kaiser Permanente® Installs "Enchanted Forest II"

Denver, CO

Recently I headed to Denver to see one of my Network Tapestry™ "in situ" at its new home - a major facility in the Kaiser Permanente® managed health care system. "Enchanted Forest II" is 106" h x 59" w, making a colorful statement in a highly visible space.

Since the piece is hung in a well-traveled stairwell, I met up with my photographer, Vicki Kerr at 6:30AM for the shoot. We had less than 2 hours to set up, get our images and slip away before a steady stream of staff and visitors arrived.

The woman who runs the coffee cart came in early and was very excited to meet the artist. She said that many people take the stairs just to see the piece from all angles and that "even babies like to point at it".

"Enchanted Forest II" © 2009 PJ Bergin, Felt In Hand

One of the most satisfying parts of being an artist, is finding people who share your vision. Even better is seeing your work in context, contributing to the vitality of a living and working space.

Salida Comes Out For PJ Bergin Solo Show

A steady stream of visitors dropped by the Paquette Gallery at the SteamPlant in Salida, Colorado on December 12th. Local musicians, Seth and Andrea set the pace with lively fiddle and guitar selections.

Michelle Gapp set out a beautiful table of Mediterrean-style appetizers, while hot cider and mulled wine warmed up the crowd.

It was great to see so many of my supporters on such a busy night during the holidays.

Everyone had a chance to learn more about the felting process and the direction I am taking my contemporary felted Network Tapestry. The show is up through New Years', so if you're in the neighborhood, please give me a call at 719-539-6382. The Gallery is open during business hours, prior to SteamPlant performances, or by appointment.

PJ Bergin - "Melia Caribe" Photo - courtesy The Mountain Mail

New Work at Paquette Gallery

"Yellow Feather", a new piece by Colorado contemporary fiber artist, PJ Bergin is among nine works to be featured in a solo show, opening November 19th, 2009 at the SteamPlant Paquette Gallery in Salida, Colorado.

The show runs through year-end and includes a Public Reception, from 4-7 pm on Saturday December 12th. Refreshments and live acoustic music are also on tap.



© 2009 PJ Bergin, Felt In Hand

"Yellow Feather" is a 38"H x 52" W double arrangement of felted Network TapestryTM panels with one piece arranged, offset in front of the other. "Layering two pieces in this manner drives even more depth and shadow. I am drawn to the complexity of it and will display another of these at the Paquette Gallery show. Come and see my newest work. Enjoy the reception and a chance to relax in the middle of the busy holiday season. I look forward to sharing my art with you!" - PJ

PJ Bergin's Debut Solo Show at Salida SteamPlant

PJ Bergin, Contemporary, mixed-media Fiber Artist is featured in her debut solo show at the Salida SteamPlant Paquette Gallery from November 19th-December 31st, 2009.

Bergin's primary body of work consists of making felt from wool roving, hand-dyeing it and using the felt for commissioned wall art and sculptures. Felt making is both tactile and visual and with it she designs and creates original abstract wall art. For her Network Tapestry™, each piece is carefully embellished, making it truly one of a kind. The “drape” of the tapestry when hung on a wall, lends maximum advantage to light and shadow, playing off the surface design.

The Paquette Gallery show features her recent works, including some never before seen outside the studio. A public reception will be held Saturday, December 12th, 2009 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm. Meet PJ and enjoy light refreshments with live acoustic music.

Paquette Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 to 6 . The phone number is 719-530-0933. For more information, contact PJ Bergin or call her studio at 719-539-6382.